WIXOM, Mich., 15 Aug. 2005. U.S. Marine Corps leaders are asking Trijicon Inc. in Wixom, Mich., to build optical sights for the M-16 combat-assault rifle.

Trijicon will provide 104,000 of the company's Rifle Combat Optics (RCO) fixed 4 power scopes under terms of a $660 million contract awarded Aug. 12 from the Marine Corps Systems Command at Quantico Marine Corps Base, Va. The contract number is M67854-05-D-1061.

The RCO enhances the Marine's ability to identify and engage targets in combat situations at greater ranges and with increased accuracy over standard iron sights, Marine Corps experts say.

The Trijicon TA31RCO is a slightly modified version of the company's TA31F 4x Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG). The sight will be mounted to the Marine Corps M16A2 and M16A4 rifles, as well as the M4A1 carbine, to help Marines identify and fire on targets from as far away as half a mile.

The sight has Trijicon's dual-illuminated red chevron-shaped reticle and bullet drop compensator. In low light or at night, the chevron is illuminated by tritium, company officials say.

In daylight, a fiber-optic system collects ambient light and helps ensure daytime brightness and controlled contrast. The system does not require a battery.

Trijicon quotes Marine Corps. Maj. Gen. J.N. Mattis, commanding general of the 1st Marine Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom: "The ACOG mounted on the M-16 service rifle has proven to be the biggest improvement in lethality for the Marine infantryman since the introduction of the M-1 Garand in World War II."

Work on the new sights will be in Wixom, Mich., and Fredericksburg Va., and will be finished in August 2010. For more information contact Trijicon online at www.trijicon.com.